Rainy days

A couple weeks have passed since Sister Meili was first favored by the Emperor. And other than me he hasn't as so much looked at any other lady in the harem. She is a real beauty with the proper make up and all the new fine clothes from the Emperor. I am truly very happy for her. Today I get to enjoy lunch with Sister Daiyu who I haven't seen much since she has been taking care of Sister Ning. I miss her deeply but also don't want to upset her with my own pregnancy. The Empress Dowager said with time it will pass. I have hope.

"Sister it has been so long and you are glowing with child." She said upon entering and we sat to have tea. "I heard that you are having issues with the pregnancy so I brought you my moms old family recipe for morning sickness. Hopefully it will give older sister some relief" and her maid servant passed the bundle to Huiqing "It is prepared just like a strong tea and may be a tad bitter so adding some honey should help" Sister Daiyu said smiling. "Thank you for your kindness, I shall try it sister" I said in reply. Excited for a possible solution, the morning sickness really is a burden.

We played chess and decided on a light lunch in the garden. It was nice and breezy. But after lunch I actually started to feel quite sick..and it was such a good lunch. "Sister you look pale, maybe now would be a good time to try the medicine I brought you" said Sister Daiyu so Huiqing had it prepared. And she was right it was a tad bitter even with honey. However I instantly felt better. Thank Goddess for Sister Daiyu. "I already feel better. A thousand thank yous sister" I said to her after finishing the medicine. Then we enjoyed a nice green tea and some lotus blossom cakes to wash away the taste. It turned out to be a lovely afternoon, Sister Daiyu has always been someone to rely on.

About a week later of almost constant light rain it was announced that Sister Meili shall be promoted to First attendant, which came as a surprise. So soon but I suppose she may have some hidden talents. The Emperor must be quite taken with her and I am happy with anything that he wants. But I'm sure this may ruffle some feathers in the harem. Maybe I should suggest a grand promotion for the entire harem. Everyone shall bask in our Sisters favor...I shall try to suggest this to the Empress Dowager if I do not see the Emperor first. I'm am having tea with her in a few days time. My morning sickness has been kept at bay by the special tea but I have been starting to have small cramps. It may be from holding in everything...but I don't feel tired anymore and my overall health has completely improved. They are only slight pains so it could just be food, and I don't want to worry for the health of the baby.

That night I had a very dark dream...lost in a dark forest with mist all around. Completely alone. I had blood on my hands but I don't know from where....I looked to the moon but it started to disappear. And then rain started to pour. I felt so cold...to the bone. Then i heard a terrifying scream. Jolting up from my nightmare to Huiqing and many other night maids around me. "Young Miss! Are you okay?? Do we need to call the imperial physician" she said very worried. Was I the one who screamed? I can hear rain pouring outside, it couldn't have been real. I'm in bed safe and warm so I took a deep breath to calm myself "I'm okay, stop worrying. It was a bad dream. Everyone can go back" I said but then I felt a sharp pain and gasped clenching my stomach. Looking down under my sheets I noticed the blood! No! My child. Huiqing saw too and immediately reacted. "Quickly summon the imperial physician!"